The Niagara Region is expanding its Automated Speed Enforcement Program despite seeing some speed camera units cut down and vandalized this month.

The region says the program has seen promising early results since the cameras were put in place last September.

There has been a 13 per cent average reduction in speeds as well as a 67 per cent decrease in speeding violations per hour, according to data collected before, during and after the initial deployment of the cameras.

The region is adding eight new cameras to its fleet in the next two years, expanding the program into 12 more Regional Community Safety Zones by the beginning of 2025.

Regional Chair Jim Bradley says the reassuring early results gives the regional council confidence to move forward with the expansion of the program.

“As councillors, far too often we hear concerns from constituents about drivers speeding through communities across the region,” Bradley says.

“Regional Council is committed to the Vision Zero program and supporting programs that help achieve its objective of safer roads in Niagara.”

READ MORE: 3 speed cameras across Niagara Region vandalized over weekend

The expansion comes after three cameras were vandalized at the beginning of April.

In each instance, someone used a grinder to cut through the metal support beam and then smashed the device’s lens.

One of the vandalized cameras was located in Vineland, while the other two were in West Lincoln.

And then, just hours after it was repaired, the camera housing unit in Vineland was yet again cut down.

Niagara Region’s associate director of transportation planning, Scott Fraser, says the cameras’ vendor is responsible for managing any damage and associated costs as part of a contract with the region.

READ MORE: Speed enforcement camera in Vineland vandalized again